The dangers of smoking are all too easily lost on teens, who have a near-instinctive sense of invulnerability. Teens often don't grasp the idea that teenage smoking causes long-term damage, so parents need to constantly remind kids of the danger.
Is Your Teen Smoking?
Parents should keep an eye on their children's activities, as peer pressure for smoking, drinking and drugs is very high during the teen years. Teens may act as if they do not want to hear what you are saying, but you must continue reminding them of the dangers of smoking. EVentually, you will find that your words are getting through to them.
When talking to teens, use known smoking facts to get your point across. Don't simply say, "I'm disappointed in you" or "That's a filthy habit." Make the health risks obvious and immediate. Do not just say that smoking shortens a person's life; during the teen years, kidss cannot imagine being 30 years of age, much less 60 or 80 years of age.
Highlight Immediate Risks
While you should definitely mention the long-term dangers, you'll get more traction if you focus on the short-term dangers, such as the relationship between smoking and sexual function, birth defects, halitosis (chronic bad breath), wrinkles, smelly clothes and hair, pale skin and yellow teeth.
When talking about sexual function and birth defects, use your judgment. If you have already talked to your young teen about sex, or if your young teen is asking you questions, this is a good time to talk about the effects of smoking. In women, the combination of smoking and hormonal birth control, such as the pill or the patch, leads to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and certain types of cancer. In men, smoking has been linked to impotence.
Do not make the assumption that your teens will learn about the dangers of smoking through the Internet or through classes in school. Don't count on your teen's friends to discourage smoking either. Discussions about smoking, drugs, alcohol and sex may be difficult, but it is better to educate your teens than to have them find out about these dangers the hard way.
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